Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Tripura has emerged as a key driver of Northeast India’s growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. During his Agartala visit, Sonowal reviewed the Gurkhabasti High-Rise Project, joined the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, and highlighted infrastructure, connectivity, governance, and economic development.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday said that Tripura has emerged as one of the most important contributors to the development and growth of Northeast India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Highlighting the remarkable transformation witnessed in the state over the last decade, Sonowal said improvements in connectivity, infrastructure, governance, and economic opportunities have accelerated Tripura’s progress and strengthened its position in the region’s development journey.
The Union Minister was in Agartala to participate in a series of programmes organised to commemorate 12 years of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre. During his visit, Sonowal interacted with citizens, attended the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan, visited an exhibition showcasing the achievements and initiatives of the Central Government, participated in the Pragati Path Yatra, reviewed the ongoing construction of the Gurkhabasti High-Rise Government Office Complex, and planted a sapling under the nationwide ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Agartala Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, MLA Abhishek Debroy, and several senior government officials were present during various events attended by the Union Minister.
Addressing the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan and interacting with eminent citizens, Sonowal stated that the 12-year journey of the Modi government has been guided by the principles of “Vishwas, Vikas and Jan Kalyan” (Trust, Development and Public Welfare). He said governance has become increasingly transparent, technology-driven, and citizen-centric, helping improve the delivery of services across the country.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has transformed India from a nation of hesitation into a nation of confidence. The last 12 years have brought development, welfare, and opportunity to every corner of the country, including the Northeast region,” Sonowal said.
The Union Minister emphasized that Tripura’s development trajectory has been strengthened through major investments in roads, railways, digital connectivity, and public infrastructure. According to him, these improvements have helped integrate the state more effectively with national and international markets, opening new opportunities for trade, investment, and employment.
“Tripura is scripting a new chapter of growth. What once seemed difficult to achieve is now becoming reality as the state advances steadily on the path of development and prosperity,” Sonowal remarked.
Highlighting the agricultural potential of the state, Sonowal referred to Tripura’s internationally acclaimed Queen pineapple and noted that improved connectivity and market access have enabled local farmers to expand their reach beyond traditional markets. He said the Centre’s focus on infrastructure development and economic empowerment has helped agricultural products from the Northeast gain recognition in international markets.
“The Prime Minister’s emphasis on connectivity, infrastructure, and economic empowerment has created new opportunities for products from the Northeast. Tripura’s world-class Queen pineapple is now finding its place in international markets, benefiting farmers and rural communities,” he said.
The Union Minister also underlined the government’s commitment to empowering women and youth through a range of welfare schemes, entrepreneurship initiatives, skill development programmes, and direct benefit transfers. According to him, women and young people have become key stakeholders in India’s growth story.
“Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti are playing a central role in India’s development journey. Today’s youth have greater opportunities in innovation, startups, and entrepreneurship, while women are actively contributing to economic and social transformation,” Sonowal stated.
Speaking about the broader transformation of the Northeast region, Sonowal said the region has moved from the margins to the mainstream of national development. He described the Northeast as a strategic growth centre and India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, adding that sustained investments in infrastructure and connectivity have unlocked immense opportunities for economic expansion.
“The Northeast is now being viewed as the new engine of India’s economic growth. Enhanced connectivity, peace accords, infrastructure investments, and people-centric governance have unlocked the immense potential of the region,” he said.
As part of the Pragati Path Yatra, Sonowal reviewed the progress of the under-construction Gurkhabasti High-Rise Government Office Complex in Agartala. The ambitious project is expected to strengthen administrative efficiency and improve public service delivery once completed.
The Union Minister said improved governance and seamless public service delivery have become defining features of the Narendra Modi government. He expressed confidence that the new office complex would help bring government services closer to citizens and enhance administrative functioning.
“This facility will help strengthen governance and bring administration closer to the people. It reflects our commitment to creating efficient and citizen-friendly public infrastructure,” Sonowal said.
During the visit, Sonowal also appreciated the leadership of Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha in accelerating infrastructure development and governance reforms in Tripura. He noted that the state government’s efforts have complemented the Centre’s development initiatives, resulting in significant progress across multiple sectors.
In another significant event, Sonowal participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign by planting a sapling at Nutannagar Girls’ Higher Secondary School. Describing the initiative as a tribute to both mothers and nature, he stressed the importance of environmental conservation alongside economic growth and development.
He said sustainable development must remain a core component of India’s progress and urged citizens to actively contribute to environmental protection by participating in plantation drives and conservation efforts.
“The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative is a meaningful tribute to our mothers and to nature. Environmental conservation must remain an integral part of our development journey,” Sonowal said.
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Concluding his address, the Union Minister stated that the past 12 years have laid a strong foundation for achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047. He called upon citizens to actively participate in nation-building efforts during the Amrit Kaal period and contribute towards creating a prosperous, self-reliant, and developed nation.
According to Sonowal, the combined efforts of the Centre, state governments, and citizens will play a crucial role in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat and ensuring inclusive growth across all regions of the country, with Tripura continuing to play an increasingly significant role in the development story of Northeast India.
